What happened
On September 14, 2015, at 18:45 UTC, an Italian-registered ultralight aircraft, I-B998, departed from Viseu Aerodrome (LPVZ) for a local flight. The aircraft was operated by a single pilot. During the flight, the engine failed due to fuel mismanagement, necessitating an emergency landing at the same aerodrome. While the pilot survived the event, the accident resulted in one serious injury.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the technical aspects of the aircraft, which was an experimental amateur-built (E-AB) design. The investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system, the airworthiness of the experimental construction, and the regulatory oversight provided by the Aero Clube d’Italia (AeCI). The investigation also reviewed the certification process used to assign the Italian registration to the aircraft and the adequacy of the regulatory framework for ultralight aircraft operating across different European jurisdictions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was the improper management of fuel within the aircraft's system.
- The aircraft was an experimental amateur-built construction, which presented specific technical complexities.
- There were concerns regarding the effectiveness of the oversight and the verification of technical requirements for aircraft registered under the AeCI when operating in foreign territories.
- The investigation identified a need for better harmonization of technical and operational standards for Annex 1 aircraft (those below 600 kg MTOM) within the European Union.